A visit to Hallstatt is a must-do day trip from Munich.
This blog post provides all the information you need to plan a day trip to Hallstatt from either Munich or Salzburg, including the most efficient public transport options, activities in Hallstatt, and the budget required for the day.
Ideally, spending at least two days in Hallstatt is the best way to explore the area. If you can extend your stay beyond a single day, be sure to look at my accommodation suggestions.
Hallstatt is a beautiful town located in the Salzkammergut region of Gmunden district in Austria. It’s situated on the southwestern shores of the Hallstatt Lake armed by the Dachstein massif.
Hallstatt is considered one of the most enchanting places in Europe. A trip to Hallstatt is like being transported to a magical fairytale. That’s how Hallstatt earned the title of one of the most beautiful fairy tale towns in Europe.
Visiting Hallstatt is the perfect day trip not only from Munich but from Salzburg, one of the best cities to visit in Austria. Hallstatt is only about 73 km from Salzburg and about 225 km from Munich.
The town is renowned for its salt production. If you’re looking to purchase high-quality salt, this is the place to do it.
I can tell you already that getting to Hallstatt from Munich and back take a lot of time and can be tiring. If you want to travel more relaxed, I recommend you join for a group tour from Salzburg. As for getting to Salzburg from Munich, follow my instructions below.
There are several ways to get to Hallstatt from Munich. To determine the best route, I extensively researched all the public transport options. Now, I’d like to share the most efficient one.
If you prefer an early start, you can take the first train from Munich to Salzburg, which departs at 05:54.
Here is a plan with the schedule. Each time I traveled to Hallstatt, I followed this same route. The timetable remains fairly consistent, so you can rely on my schedule as well.
07:30 Meeting at Hauptbahnhof and buying the Bayern tickets
Or simply buy your tickets online to save time.
07:56 Departure from Munich to Salzburg
09:42 Arrival in Salzburg and buying tickets until Hallstatt Bahnhof
Or buy your tickets online to save time.
10:15 Departure from Salzburg for Bad Ischl (bus number 150)
11:45 Arrival at Bad Ischl
12:10 Departure from Bad Ischl Bahnhof (train)
12:47 Arrival at Hallstatt Bahnhof and buy your tickets for the ferry
13:00 Ferry departure from Hallstatt Markt (ship)
13:07 Ferry arrival
You have nearly 5 hours of sightseeing time including the ferry time.
16:45 Departure from Hallstatt Markt (ship) to Hallstatt Bahnhof
17:08 Departure from Hallstatt Bahnhof to Bad Ischl Bahnhof (train)
17:36 Departure from Bad Ischl Bahnhof to Salzburg (bus number 150)
20:15 Departure from Salzburg to Munich (train)
22:15 Arrival in Munich
3.1. FROM MUNICH TO SALZBURG BY TRAIN
The most affordable ticket for this trip is the Bayern-Ticket.
Check the train schedule, here, on the Deutsche Bahn website.
3.2. FROM SALZBURG TO HALLSTATT BAHNHOF BY BUS AND TRAIN
You can find the timetable on the ÖBB website. Even if you only want to view the timetable, click on “Book Tickets” rather than “Search Connection.”
If you click on “Search Connection,” you won’t see all the options for Hallstatt. You can buy the tickets once you get to Salzburg at the ÖBB office near the main entrance of the train station. Alternatively, you can purchase your ticket online on the ÖBB website.
A return ticket covering the trains and buses between Salzburg and Hallstatt costs €32.60.
If you are traveling in a group, you may be eligible for a group discount. However, one person must pay for all the tickets, and the savings of 50-60 cents per person might not be worth the hassle. It’s generally more convenient to pay separately.
Once you have your tickets, exit the train station, and to the left, you will find a bus station. Look for bus number 150.
You might wonder why I didn’t choose the other options. Why not the train-only alternative? Because the bus option is much cheaper, even with a group discount for the train, and it takes the same amount of time as the train-only option.
Why not the Einfach-Raus-Ticket? Because this ticket only allows you to take regional trains, which would make the journey one way take 4-5 hours.
3.3. FROM HALLSTATT BAHNHOF TO HALLSTATT MARKT BY FERRY
The Hallstatt train station is right next to the ferry station. Be sure to buy a return ticket immediately upon arrival. It’s important to note that only cash payments are accepted here. With this in mind, make sure you have enough cash with you.
If you prefer driving instead of using public transport, I recommend renting a car through DiscoverCars. If you are more than 2 people, it’s already worth it.
Check out the deals here: DiscoverCars
If you come from Munich and use public transport, you have 5 hours to explore Hallstatt.
#1 Photo-shooting at the Point of Silence
I would like to point out that this is the best place to take a photo with a view of Hallstatt. Where you see the sign Point of Silence, that is the point from which you can take the best images of Hallstatt.
#2 Walking through the old town and the Market Square of Hallstatt
When you get off the ship, taking a left you’ll walk through the old town passing Market Square.
#3 Photo-shooting from the Skywalk
The Skywalk is a viewing platform that offers a panoramic view over Lake Hallstatt. After about 10 minutes of walking from the ferry station, as you are about to leave the old part of Hallstatt, you’ll turn right to reach the cable car that takes you to the Skywalk.
Alternatively, you can walk there. While it seems like an easy walk, given that you have only 5 hours in Hallstatt, I don’t recommend it.
You can take brilliant photos not only from the Skywalk but also from the terrace of the restaurant nearby.
#4 The Catholic Parish Church and the Ossuary Chapel
#5. Drink a cup of Glühwein
There is a supermarket called, Spar, just 30 seconds from the ferry station. If you have time, warm yourself up with a Glühwein, a hot wine punch.
Unfortunately, it’s not allowed to take it to the ship, so you need to finish it before it embarks.
Bayern Ticket: €13,80 (if you are five persons)
For 1 person: €29
For 2 persons: €39 / €19.50 per person
For 3 persons: €49 / €16.30 per person
For 4 persons: €59 / €14.75 per person
For 5 persons: €69 / €13.80 per person
ÖBB bus + train two ways: €32.60
Ferry two ways: €7
Cable car round trip for adults: €22
TOTAL: €75.40
In case you would prefer an entire weekend in Hallstatt, check out my accommodation recommendations. :-) I collected the ones with the best locations and customer reviews.
My top recommendations in the old town
Heritage Hotel Hallstatt
If you would like to have the best experience in Hallstatt, make sure you choose the right hotel. The Heritage Hotel in Hallstatt is a historical building that offers views of the town and Lake Hallstatt.
PinkDeer is a cute little house also offering lake and mountain views.
My top recommendations in Austrian holiday houses close to the old town
Traveling in autumn and winter is a lot of fun, but to enjoy it, you need to dress warmly.
Wear several layers: warm socks, stockings, a vest, a roll-neck sweater, and a warm coat. Better to have more than less.
Especially, shoes are very important. Wear shoes with a thick sole. In my opinion, if you wear normal sports shoes, you might not enjoy your trip as you feel cold.
As for visiting Hallstatt in spring or summer, wear whatever you feel right for yourself in these seasons.
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